Many organs contain ciliated cells. Cilia are tiny hair-like structures that beat rhythmically to move fluids or particles. This makes them crucial for various bodily functions.
Organs with Ciliated Cells:
Several organs utilize cilia for vital processes. Examples include:
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Respiratory System: The trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (airways in the lungs) are lined with ciliated epithelium. These cilia help to clear mucus and debris from the airways. Histology, Respiratory Epithelium - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf details the composition of this epithelium, highlighting the role of ciliated cells.
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Reproductive System: The female reproductive system (uterus and fallopian tubes/oviducts) and male reproductive system (vas deferens and epididymis) also possess ciliated cells. In females, cilia help move the egg towards the uterus. In males, they assist in sperm transport.
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Other Organs: Other organs with ciliated cells include parts of the nasal cavities. Furthermore, research shows that Kupffer's vesicle in zebrafish embryos, a crucial structure for left-right body asymmetry development, is a ciliated organ. Kupffer's vesicle is a ciliated organ of asymmetry in the zebrafish ... and Kupffer's vesicle is a ciliated organ of asymmetry in the zebrafish ... detail its role. Additional research indicates that the choroid plexus and subfornical organ also contain ciliated cells, relevant to fluid movement and cerebrospinal fluid production. Structural defects in cilia of the choroid plexus, subfornical organ ...
The coordinated beating of cilia in these organs is essential for their proper function. Disruptions to cilia function can lead to various health problems, including primary ciliary dyskinesia. Primary ciliary dyskinesia: MedlinePlus Genetics highlights the importance of cilia for many organs and tissues. The morphology and function of ciliated organs are deeply intertwined with fluid dynamics, as explored in Flow physics guides morphology of ciliated organs | Nature Physics and Flow Physics Explains Morphological Diversity of Ciliated Organs .... Even specialized sensory cells, like chordotonal neurons, utilize cilia for their function. Chordotonal organs: Current Biology The genetic control of cilia formation and function remains an active area of research, as noted in RFX2 is essential in the ciliated organ of asymmetry and an RFX2 ....
